Very early thoughts on 2023 SE (took delivery three days ago)

Just wanted to jot down some first impressions after getting my SE this week (just 250 miles driven)…figured this is a good place to do so.

Quick note, this is my first EV and my other car right now is a 2017 F57 S w/ JCW pro tuning kit. So I’m very familiar with the ICE version of the car to make comparisons - can’t really do the same in comparing with other EVs.



Things that stood out/surprised me:

- I really like enigmatic black. Truly does look black in the shade/indoors. Absolutely pops in sunlight, and the metallic flake sparkles when taking a close look.

- Chesterfield leather seats feel quite stiff? Like the leather isn’t as soft as I had expected. Seats are still very comfortable and I suspect the leather with loosen/soften with age.

- Ambient lighting color options seem to change depending on if you’re in the “lounge” (light blue circle speedometer) or “sport” (red circle speedometer). Not a bother just weird to limit options like that. I do like the white ambient color that isn't available at all on my 2017.

- Very happy with adaptive cruise! Especially in SoCal traffic, the system handles most situations well. Sometimes accelerates to slowly when a back up gets moving again but it’s easy enough to help it along with the accelerator.

A couple of times it felt like it slowed down a bit late when traffic slowed too but I think it would have still stopped in time without my intervention.

- Range is what I expected after doing my research. Did a one-way, 75 mile drive (90F, Cruise set to 70-75 mph, LA/OC elevation changes and traffic, normal mode, a/c pretty much blasting) - started at 100% and got there at 35%.

That’s about 115 miles total range at the same rate to 0%…could definitely get 15-20 miles more if I tried at all (lower speed, green mode, less a/c).

- Car rides REALLY soft compared to the convertible (even with dampers set to softer setting). Softer than the GTI I sold to partially pay for the SE as well. Handles bumps/imperfections really nicely - honestly feels like entry level luxury car ride quality to me. This was probably the most surprising aspect of the car.

- Love one pedal driving, don’t love the fact that the car rolls on the slightest hills instead of stopping. The car could easily hold at stops like a Tesla for example. Perhaps a software update could add this?? Allow a guy to dream!!

- Haven’t really gotten the chance to test driving dynamics yet…but I can confidently say it’s quicker than my convertible. Feels like the (2015) GTI did which is a 6.1 second to 60 mph car.

It seems to handle very well too, but I can feel more body roll, squat and nose dive compared to the same speeds/corners in the F57 convertible. Like I said, it’s much softer and that comes at a price (that I’m 100% fine with).

- HK system is good but maybe not as good my other MINI? Maybe needs to be broken in.

- Piano black all over the place in my SE’s interior. Dust and fingerprints everywhere! Going to drive me nuts…

- New steering wheel flat buttons (also piano black) are just not as good as the separate buttons on the older model. I’ve already set the speed limiter by accident while trying to raise the cruise control speed by pressing “up” just a little too far to the right (like 1 o’clock instead of noon). Not good and actually unsafe!

- Same for center instrument buttons - flat, piano black and VERY unsatisfying to press. Thankfully the touch screen means I don’t have to use them that much.

- Have to press brake pedal to release the digital parking brake? Ok..

- Wireless phone charger actually works for me but the phone is raging hot after leaving it in there for an extended period. I think I’ll just store the phone in there upside down just to have it out of the way and not charge.

- MINI app is weirdly good. I charge in the basement of my apartment complex where I know there is ZERO data coverage yet I can see the cars charging status when I check it from home. Some voo-doo **** happening there. Also being able to turn on the climate before returning to the car is fantastic.

- Turn signal click sounds are very luxury ASMR. Different from my older model.

- Side sun visor is a welcome but weird inclusion. Even more weird because the passenger doesn’t have one.

OK - if anyone was crazy enough to real all of this I hope it was useful/entertaining. I think I’ll update this thread with my thoughts…sort of a public diary about my SE.

Overall I’m VERY VERY happy with the car in case that isn’t clear! It’ll be perfect as the 2nd car when I sell the convertible and squire another larger EV with higher range I have on pre-order.

 

I did a 20% to 100% charge two days ago and it was $5.50. Yes, it's relief!

 

I got the Hankook tires - not sure how the other tire offerings would differ!

Edit - Should also point out I'm on the 17" Power Spoke wheels for more context!

 

My F57 is just a Cooper S with JCW tuning kit which is the exhaust and a chip tune - suspension is the same adaptive suspension other Cooper S have. Even at it's soft setting the F57 is more jarring of a ride for sure. I have speed bumps in my parking garage where the difference is pretty crazy between the two.

 

I live in an apartment - luckily we have charging stations on site but they just raised the price to $.29/kWh. Still way better than Cali gas prices but not quite the dirt cheap fuel pricing you guys are getting at home.

I did however find and test a free DC charging station near my home - I think I’ll be taking advantage of that often!